A perfect tummy is on everyone’s wish list but without hard work, your beer belly or baby fat will never go away. It would be great to fit in nicely into that pair of jeans without stretching the waistband. A shirt or dress will look better if you are trimmed to have the curves in the right places.

Wouldn’t it be great to have six-pack abs? Summer or not, we still like to show off that ripped flat stomach.

If you are one of those people who miss out going to the beach because you are afraid to show a less than perfect midsection or you simply just want to look better in everything you wear and you wonder how to get washboard abs, try these exercises for at least three days a week:

1. Basic crunch. Lie flat on the floor and put your hands behind your neck. Bend your knees with your feet flat on the floor, and your legs apart. Contract the abdominals to make your stomach feel tight and lift your shoulders. Exhale while exerting effort and inhale when releasing. Keep your neck at a 45-degree angle to the floor to prevent any injury. Repeat the basic crunch for at least sixteen counts or until you feel your stomach muscles are tight.

2. Obliques. Stand up with your legs apart. Slightly bend your knees. Keep your neck aligned with your spine and your shoulders straight. Contract the abdominals to make your stomach feel tight. Lower your left shoulder sideways by using your muscles on the side of your stomach. Exhale while exerting effort and inhale when releasing.

Repeat this exercise for the obliques for sixteen counts or until you feel the muscles are tight. Do the same steps for the right side of your stomach.

3. Cross obliques. Remain standing and still keep your legs apart and slightly bend your knees. Keep your hands at the back of your neck and keep your arms aligned with your shoulders. Raise your left knee and twist your midsection so that the right elbow will meet the left knee. Do not force the knee and elbow to touch. Depending on your flexibility, the elbow and the knee may not touch as long as the muscles on your midsection are being used in this action. Do the same for the right knee and left elbow. Repeat this exercise for at least sixteen counts or until you feel your stomach muscles are tight.

By being persistent and consistent with these workouts, you are guaranteed to have a flatter and sexier stomach. However it is important to enjoy every workout and keep your goal in mind so you will not falter. A flat waist is not only sexy but healthy, so keep on flexing those muscles!